But the excitement passed little Deacon Stott by — as he was found fast asleep 40 minutes later in the pet section.

The toddler was on a day out with his great-grandparents at Bradley Fold Garden Centre, Radcliffe Moor Road, yesterday morning when the drama unfolded.

His great-grandmother broke down in tears when he was found and the family have said a heartfelt thank you to all the shoppers, staff and police who searched for Deacon.

Sheila and Norman Gillard, from Farnworth, raised the alarm just after 11am, prompting more than 20 concerned people to start hunting for the youngster at the family-run centre.

His mother, Samantha Green, who is nearly eight months pregnant, was not told about the drama until after her son was found asleep on the floor, nestled next to a shelf and just feet away from the rabbits.

The 28-year-old, also from Farnworth, said: “I would have probably have had a panic attack.”

About seven police cars were seen outside the garden centre and a police spokesman confirmed a three-year-old boy was reported missing at the shop at 11.07am.